Steve Workman

First post:
Nov 27, 2017 Latest post:
Dec 10, 2017

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. Thank you for visiting.

In late October 2017 while on a non-strenuous bike ride I became short of breath and acutely fatigued. During subsequent hospitalization I was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) and mitral valve regurgitation (MR). I have otherwise felt fine and there is no apparent cause for this to occur so suddenly. Without surgery, however, I am at risk of progressive heart (congestive heart failure) or lung (pulmonary hypertension) problems.

The fix is open heart surgery through a sternal incision. Hopefully my mitral valve can be repaired or tissue replaced as opposed to having a mechanical valve replacement (which would require lifelong blood thinners). My surgeon is Dr. Joe Huh and he advises a MAZE procedure to help control my heart rate after surgery in case atrial fibrillation becomes a problem again. For good measure I might get a pacemaker and have aortic valve surgery as well.

Surgery is planned to take 3-6 hours on November 30th. It will be performed at the Sacramento Mercy General Heart Center by Kaiser surgeons and anesthesiologists. The team seems top-notch for which I am very grateful and in whom I am very confident.

Thanks to all my friends who have inquired about me of late. The shared love, prayers, and support have been heart-warming. Hopefully this site will be a resource to keep everyone updated!!!